The city of Dallas’ information officer, Bill Zielinski, is resigning, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Zielinski oversaw the city’s response to a ransomware attack as well as to an employee deleting millions of electronic police records.

He has led Dallas’ Information and Technology Services since 2020, the DMN reported, and is leaving the city on April 30. The Morning News said that Brian Gardner, the city’s chief information security officer, will be the department’s interim director.

Zielinski made $225,000 a year and oversees a department with a budget of around $132 million, the DMN said, citing city salary data as of Jan. 1.

Zielinski said his departure is not linked to the exit of City Manager T.C. Broadnax, who was recently hired city manager in Austin.

“I had this great opportunity that came my way that, at the end of the day, given where I am in my career and where I am in my life, was just a great match. And so, I said yes,” Zielinski told The Morning News, declining to name his new post. “And so, I’ll take several weeks off and then I will start a new gig in private industry.”

Zielinski replaced Gloria Lopez Carter, who was serving as interim CIO after Hugh Miller announced he was leaving the position back in January.

Zielinski formerly was assistant commissioner of the Information Technology Category for the General Services Administration’s Federal Acquisition Service. He worked in federal service for 30 years.

Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.

Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.